US Bridges

Pottstown Pike over French Creek

Fair

Chester County, Pennsylvania · Pughtown 6B12 · Structure no. 000000000010070

Built
1953
72 years old, rebuilt 2000
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
65 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
11,100
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pottstown Pike over French Creek is a concrete arch - deck carrying Pottstown Pike over French Creek in Chester County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1953 and reconstructed in 2000, so it is 72 years old, older than the Pennsylvania average of 54.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 11,100 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,134 by 2032. The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPottstown Pike
CrossesFrench Creek
LocationPughtown 6B12
RouteState Highway 100
CountyChester County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.16356, -75.67007
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating69 US tons
Inventory rating41 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length65 ft (19.8 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,100 (2023)
Projected traffic15,134 by 2032
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$215,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Pottstown Pike over French Creek built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2000.

What condition is Pottstown Pike over French Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in July 2023.

How much traffic does Pottstown Pike over French Creek carry?

About 11,100 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Pottstown Pike over French Creek?

The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns Pottstown Pike over French Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.